Democrats Cutting Ties With Biden
Several former Biden administration officials are launching campaigns for governor in key states, but many appear to be carefully navigating one major political reality: how closely to associate themselves with former President Joe Biden.
As the Democratic Party continues to debate what went wrong in the 2024 election, candidates who once served in Biden’s administration are emphasizing their government experience while placing less attention on the former president himself.
The issue highlights a growing challenge for Democrats heading into the 2026 election cycle. While many party leaders continue to praise Biden’s accomplishments, questions surrounding his final years in office remain a sensitive topic among voters and political strategists.
Biden’s Legacy Remains a Complicated Issue
According to reports, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in New Mexico, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in California, and former White House adviser Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia have all promoted their records in public service while rarely making Biden a central part of their campaign messaging.
Notably, none of the candidates have reportedly featured Biden in campaign advertisements, despite their close ties to his administration.
The cautious approach comes as Democrats continue to examine the party’s disappointing performance in the 2024 election and the events that led up to it.
For many within the party, one question continues to dominate discussions: Should Biden have stepped aside sooner?
Democrats Continue Debating the 2024 Election
Since President Trump returned to the White House, Democratic strategists, donors, and elected officials have repeatedly argued that Biden’s decision to remain in the race until late in the campaign may have limited the party’s options.
Some Democrats believe an earlier withdrawal could have allowed voters to choose a nominee through a competitive primary process rather than quickly rallying behind then-Vice President Kamala Harris after Biden exited the race.
Others have suggested that an open convention or longer nomination process may have produced a stronger candidate. However, there remains little agreement on whether any Democrat would have been able to defeat President Trump in 2024.
Some Former Biden Officials Continue to Defend Him
Despite the criticism, some candidates remain vocal supporters of the former president.
Haaland has described Biden as a valuable partner to New Mexico and Native American communities, arguing that history will eventually judge his presidency more favorably than many critics do today.
Bottoms has also expressed pride in serving in the Biden administration, praising what she views as its accomplishments and calling Biden a leader who genuinely cared about helping Americans.
Meanwhile, Becerra has largely focused on policy achievements rather than Biden personally. His campaign has highlighted healthcare initiatives, prescription drug cost reductions, Medicare-related reforms, and insulin pricing measures implemented during his time in Washington.
Campaign officials have argued that voters are choosing a governor based on a candidate’s own record and vision for the future rather than simply evaluating past political associations.
Looking Beyond Washington
Political observers note that all three candidates entered their races with established reputations and significant experience in their home states.
Rather than running campaigns centered on the Biden administration, they appear focused on local issues, economic concerns, public safety, healthcare, education, and state-level leadership.
That strategy may reflect a broader trend within the Democratic Party as candidates attempt to balance respect for a former president while addressing voter concerns about the future.
What It Means for Democrats Going Forward
The situation underscores the difficult position Biden now occupies within Democratic politics.
Many Democrats continue to credit him with major legislative victories and his 2020 victory over President Trump. At the same time, ongoing debates surrounding the 2024 election, his health, and his decision to seek reelection continue to influence discussions about the party’s future direction.
As the 2026 governor races begin to take shape, Democratic candidates may increasingly find themselves walking a political tightrope—highlighting their experience in Washington while convincing voters they offer a fresh path forward.
For now, many Democratic voters appear more focused on finding candidates they believe can effectively challenge President Trump and advance their party’s agenda than on revisiting the controversies and debates surrounding the Biden years.
